A sinkhole bigger than two VW bugs has closed two lanes of South Simms Street between West Cooper Avenue and South Ward Street.

Jeffco Sheriff's Office

The sinkhole on Simms Street.

The 20-foot-wide sinkhole, about 400 square feet in total size, shut down the street to both car and foot traffic on the afternoon of June 25. The hole is near the Foothills Park and Rec facilities on Ward Street.

Jefferson County said the sinkhole was caused by the failure of a large drainage culvert beneath that section of Simms. The county estimated it would take 30 days for repair work to be completed once a contractor is hired and permits filed.

The county’s Road and Bridge Department spent June 25 shoring up the sides of the sinkhole to allow traffic to use the two undamaged lanes. By that night, one lane in each direction had reopened on Simms.